Now that the Indy Lights races from Mid-Ohio have aired, I can story. Last lap, what has been a disaster of a rain-plagued/shortened race is now ending under yellow. All Jonny Reid has to do is take the final turn onto the start/finish straight and take the checkers to win the second race of Mid-Ohio's Twin 100s. Inexplicably, he pulls into the pits and hands the victory to James Davison. Reid finished 9th. Bombardier R142 summed this up nicely on TrackForum, "If he wins Indy 100 times, he's never going to live this down."
I attended the first Browns practice of the new year. As usual, it was a short walk through in shorts, but it was good to see outdoor football back. Look for reports from the Hall of Fame festivities next week.
Casey Blake trade just happened. I'll post more after I have time to examine further. for those who haven't heard yet, he was traded to the Dodgers for a good high-A catcher and an iffy AAA reliever (who will likely be the anchor of the Tribe pen within three weeks).
By the way, Indians home vs. Minnesota tonight and tomorrow with Detroit coming in for four next week. City hosts Bermuda tonight in a should win and a virtual must win in order to earn a crucial bye to the semifinals. Aeros home vs. Binghamton tonight and tomorrow with Erie in for the week. Captains host West Virginia through Monday, Greensboro in for the week.
Two more Tribe prospects are going to the Olympics as Aeros reliever T.J. Burton and K-Tribe outfielder Nick Weglarz have been selected for Team Canada. Hopefully, the Tribe can work out a deal to get Choo down to the minors temporarily so he can play for South Korea and try to win a medal and get out of a military obligation that could keep him off the Indians roster for two years.
On a parting note, I urge any IndyCar fans who view the Brickyard 400 as some kind of desecration to calm down. There's nothing wrong with a track hosting multiple races, it's perfectly normal.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thoughts from Mid-Ohio
It was nice to see OW cars navigat a hairpin, even if it was the Keyhole and not THE HAIRPIN at Burke. The weekend was pretty fun. Congratulations to Honda 200 winner Scott Dixon and Acura Sportscar Challenge overall winners Lucas Luhr and Marco Werner. What follows are my thoughts regarding the IndyCar and ALMS races. My thoughts on the Indy Lights and World Challenge races will be posted later after they have appeared on tape-delay TV. I was unable to make it to the track on Friday, so I missed the IMSA Challenge races.
The track was pretty well laid out with the exception of having the finish line on a heavily obstructed straightaway (no viewing mounds or grandstands had any view of it). They should move it to the start line between the Keyhole and the Esses.
The staff was extremely friendly and competent. No complaints here.
The merchandise was also top-notch (especially the plush woodchucks!). The only problem here was the lack of grid sheets for the ALMS and ICS races.
Had a good time wandering around the ICS paddock (not enough time to check out the ALMS garages). I had a chance to talk with some pit crew members, including those from the cars of Justin Wilson, Marty Roth, and Milka Duno, as well as crew members from the Indy Lights team of Dillon Battistini.
I kept thinking how good of a NASCAR course Mid-Ohio would be, then I reminded myself that they'd just end up emasculating it a la the NASGLEN.
By the way, does anyone find the irony in Roth Racing's garage placement next to the restrooms, given their recent fortunes (lack of sponsorship, being forced to shutter the #24 car)?
With all the ethanol being used in these races, I'm shocked there was any corn left in the cornfields surrounding the track.
The viewing areas were packed for the ICS race. I was kinda shocked that they were less so for the ALMS on Saturday.
A tip to anyone attending an ALMS race in person. The lights on the side of the cars indicate the top 3 in each class: 1 light = 1st place in class, 2 = 2nd, 3 = 3rd.
All in all a fun weekend and well worth the sunburn and exhaustion. My next update should be on Thursday with a recap of Wednesday's opening Browns practice. My thoughts on Mid-Ohio Indy Lights (you don't want to miss this one) will be posted on Friday as the races will air Thursday on ESPN2 (2PM).
The track was pretty well laid out with the exception of having the finish line on a heavily obstructed straightaway (no viewing mounds or grandstands had any view of it). They should move it to the start line between the Keyhole and the Esses.
The staff was extremely friendly and competent. No complaints here.
The merchandise was also top-notch (especially the plush woodchucks!). The only problem here was the lack of grid sheets for the ALMS and ICS races.
Had a good time wandering around the ICS paddock (not enough time to check out the ALMS garages). I had a chance to talk with some pit crew members, including those from the cars of Justin Wilson, Marty Roth, and Milka Duno, as well as crew members from the Indy Lights team of Dillon Battistini.
I kept thinking how good of a NASCAR course Mid-Ohio would be, then I reminded myself that they'd just end up emasculating it a la the NASGLEN.
By the way, does anyone find the irony in Roth Racing's garage placement next to the restrooms, given their recent fortunes (lack of sponsorship, being forced to shutter the #24 car)?
With all the ethanol being used in these races, I'm shocked there was any corn left in the cornfields surrounding the track.
The viewing areas were packed for the ICS race. I was kinda shocked that they were less so for the ALMS on Saturday.
A tip to anyone attending an ALMS race in person. The lights on the side of the cars indicate the top 3 in each class: 1 light = 1st place in class, 2 = 2nd, 3 = 3rd.
All in all a fun weekend and well worth the sunburn and exhaustion. My next update should be on Thursday with a recap of Wednesday's opening Browns practice. My thoughts on Mid-Ohio Indy Lights (you don't want to miss this one) will be posted on Friday as the races will air Thursday on ESPN2 (2PM).
Thursday, July 17, 2008
All-Star Thoughts
Ah! What a week. The final All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. While I had long believed that nothing could live up to the hype generated for this week, I was proven waaaay wrong. Let's look back at the All-Star Break that was, Woodchuck Hole style!
Sunday - Futures Game - great performance by LaPorta. USA still gets head handed to them by World.
Monday - Home Run Derby - Sizemore fails to advance out of first round. I was pretty bummed until Josh Hamilton's performance came along. 28 homers, 13 in a row. That he didn't win it was a travesty. I often disagree with WKNR's Kenny Roda, but he made an excellent point in saying that the Home Run Derby should also have a carryover from the Semis to the Final, not just from the Quarters to the Semis.
Tuesday - All-Star Game - Most people view 15 innings of prime-time baseball as a never-ending bore. I regard it as a little slice of Heaven, especially with a scorecard in my hand. Seriously, what's more fun than the challenge of finding space on a scorecard for the 15th inning, especially at 1:30 in the morning? As fun as the scoring was, the game was even more exciting: numerous stolen bases and plays at the plate, watching the best of the best (the fan vote this year confirmed that fans are capable of looking past names and voting in the best guys) go at it, and best of all, key contributions from Indians players. Two shutout innings, one hit given up by Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore scoring the game-tying run. The best part of the ight, however, was the pregame ceremony with the Hall of Famers standing in the field alongside the starters. To see that many of the greatest to play the game in both this era and those prior was awesome. My concern, however, is that many people watched this ceremony and didn't recognize many of the names being announced. Seriously, it amazes me how many people follo a sport and don't know it's history. My advice to such people is to pick one sport they follow and learn the history of it, you will enjoy that sport so much more knowing where it came from.
Wednesday - LaPorta and Stevens named to All-Star team, WA-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Here's some All-Star trivia
- This year marked the fourth and final time that Yankee Stadium hosted the All-Star Game.
- The first three times it did, the Yankees won the AL Pennant, a streak that will likely be broken, given the strong play of the Red Sox and the Rays.
- While Yankee Stadium is the ballpark to host the All-Star Game and World Series action in the same year on multiple occasions, one other team has done it twice, albeit in two different ballparks. Who was that team? (answer in next entry)
My uncle made an interesting observation at a Captains game I attended with him recently: How does baseball expect to develop players in leagues with two-man umpire crews? However, that is just what baseball now does in half-season and single-A ball. My uncle also had a great solution: increase the luxury tax on high payrolls and put the money towards hiring the extra umpires needed to put three-man crews in all of organized baseball.
One concluding thought: WTAM's Kevin Keane claims that baseball is the "one sport invented by God." Given Mr. Keane's line of reasoning, could it be more than mere coincidence that the Rays suddenly improved after dropping "Devil" form their nickname?
Again, look for my Mid-Ohio updates this weekend. If you're in the Northern Ohio area this weekend, you may want to stop by the races as many of the cars and drivers from the Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans (including the winners of both races) will be running. Le Mans cars on Saturday, Indy cars on Sunday. I'll post a full listing of weekend sports activity in NE Ohio tomorrow.
Sunday - Futures Game - great performance by LaPorta. USA still gets head handed to them by World.
Monday - Home Run Derby - Sizemore fails to advance out of first round. I was pretty bummed until Josh Hamilton's performance came along. 28 homers, 13 in a row. That he didn't win it was a travesty. I often disagree with WKNR's Kenny Roda, but he made an excellent point in saying that the Home Run Derby should also have a carryover from the Semis to the Final, not just from the Quarters to the Semis.
Tuesday - All-Star Game - Most people view 15 innings of prime-time baseball as a never-ending bore. I regard it as a little slice of Heaven, especially with a scorecard in my hand. Seriously, what's more fun than the challenge of finding space on a scorecard for the 15th inning, especially at 1:30 in the morning? As fun as the scoring was, the game was even more exciting: numerous stolen bases and plays at the plate, watching the best of the best (the fan vote this year confirmed that fans are capable of looking past names and voting in the best guys) go at it, and best of all, key contributions from Indians players. Two shutout innings, one hit given up by Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore scoring the game-tying run. The best part of the ight, however, was the pregame ceremony with the Hall of Famers standing in the field alongside the starters. To see that many of the greatest to play the game in both this era and those prior was awesome. My concern, however, is that many people watched this ceremony and didn't recognize many of the names being announced. Seriously, it amazes me how many people follo a sport and don't know it's history. My advice to such people is to pick one sport they follow and learn the history of it, you will enjoy that sport so much more knowing where it came from.
Wednesday - LaPorta and Stevens named to All-Star team, WA-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Here's some All-Star trivia
- This year marked the fourth and final time that Yankee Stadium hosted the All-Star Game.
- The first three times it did, the Yankees won the AL Pennant, a streak that will likely be broken, given the strong play of the Red Sox and the Rays.
- While Yankee Stadium is the ballpark to host the All-Star Game and World Series action in the same year on multiple occasions, one other team has done it twice, albeit in two different ballparks. Who was that team? (answer in next entry)
My uncle made an interesting observation at a Captains game I attended with him recently: How does baseball expect to develop players in leagues with two-man umpire crews? However, that is just what baseball now does in half-season and single-A ball. My uncle also had a great solution: increase the luxury tax on high payrolls and put the money towards hiring the extra umpires needed to put three-man crews in all of organized baseball.
One concluding thought: WTAM's Kevin Keane claims that baseball is the "one sport invented by God." Given Mr. Keane's line of reasoning, could it be more than mere coincidence that the Rays suddenly improved after dropping "Devil" form their nickname?
Again, look for my Mid-Ohio updates this weekend. If you're in the Northern Ohio area this weekend, you may want to stop by the races as many of the cars and drivers from the Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans (including the winners of both races) will be running. Le Mans cars on Saturday, Indy cars on Sunday. I'll post a full listing of weekend sports activity in NE Ohio tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Update of last post
I saw Bryson pitch for Lake County on Sunday. I have no idea what to make of this guy. He went two innings. Looked like Mariano Rivera the first and Denis Boucher the second. the furry jury's still out on him. Well, he is in low single-A, so he has time to get more consistent.
On the Olympic team front, Bisons P Jeff Stevens and Aeros OF Matt LaPorta were named to Team USA earlier today (Wednesday).
Look for my reports from the Le Mans sportscar and IndyCar races at Mid-Ohio this weekend.
On the Olympic team front, Bisons P Jeff Stevens and Aeros OF Matt LaPorta were named to Team USA earlier today (Wednesday).
Look for my reports from the Le Mans sportscar and IndyCar races at Mid-Ohio this weekend.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Sunnier Side of Life in a Woodchuck Hole
Okay, enough venting. Back to the usual.
The LaPorta Reporta
I had a chance to go down to Akron last night and watch Matt Laporta (the key player the Tribe got in return for CC) play for the Aeros last night. He got two hits, the second of which was part of 4-run rally in the 8th that tied the game at 9 (Aeros won 10-9 after scoring another run in the 9th). He's been pretty impressive and is under consideration (along with Aeros 3B Wes Hodges) for the US Olympic Baseball Team. I'm hoping to see Rob Bryson (the other serious prospect received already) soon as he is playing in Eastlake with the Captains.
All in all, I have no problems with the trade. It will be nearly impossible for the Tribe to sign CC and, even if they are willing to pay him enough, it's not like they've traded to a team that has the kind of money needed to lock him up pre-free agency. Besides the prospects mentioned above, they will also get a very good player to be named later. The fourth player, pitcher Zach Jackson, was a throw-in and likely won't have much of an impact on the organization this year as the Bisons' season is in worse shape than the Tribe's.
On the subject of the Indians' AAA affiliate, it's changing next year. While not officially announced, it is the worst kept secret in organized baseball* that the Tribe are switching their AAA affiliation to the Columbus Clippers, who will be moving into a new ballpark (Huntington Park) in downtown Columbus near Nationwide Arena.
* The worst kept secret in all of baseball is the Avon expansion franchise for next year in the independent Frontier League.
Gladiators
Yep, the Gladiators have made it to the National Conference Championship Game. It's tomorrow (Saturday) at 1PM in Philadelphia. TV on ESPN and radio on WKNR 850AM.
Now for the list of live sporting events in the area this weekend.
Indians vs. Rays - Progressive Field
Tonight and Tomorrow - 7:05 PM - fireworks after both games
Sunday - 1:05 PM
City vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore - Krenzler Field (CSU)
Tomorrw - 7:00 PM
Captains vs. Asheville Tourists
Tonight and Tomorrow - 7:05 PM - fireworks after both games
Sunday - 1:05 PM
Finally, some concluding thoughts
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to HVM Racing IndyCar driver EJ Viso, who is missing this week's Nashville 200 with a case of the mumps.
Only 92 days until the Monsters opener!
On that note, have a good weekend and stay safe. I'm headed back into the Woodchuck Hole.
The LaPorta Reporta
I had a chance to go down to Akron last night and watch Matt Laporta (the key player the Tribe got in return for CC) play for the Aeros last night. He got two hits, the second of which was part of 4-run rally in the 8th that tied the game at 9 (Aeros won 10-9 after scoring another run in the 9th). He's been pretty impressive and is under consideration (along with Aeros 3B Wes Hodges) for the US Olympic Baseball Team. I'm hoping to see Rob Bryson (the other serious prospect received already) soon as he is playing in Eastlake with the Captains.
All in all, I have no problems with the trade. It will be nearly impossible for the Tribe to sign CC and, even if they are willing to pay him enough, it's not like they've traded to a team that has the kind of money needed to lock him up pre-free agency. Besides the prospects mentioned above, they will also get a very good player to be named later. The fourth player, pitcher Zach Jackson, was a throw-in and likely won't have much of an impact on the organization this year as the Bisons' season is in worse shape than the Tribe's.
On the subject of the Indians' AAA affiliate, it's changing next year. While not officially announced, it is the worst kept secret in organized baseball* that the Tribe are switching their AAA affiliation to the Columbus Clippers, who will be moving into a new ballpark (Huntington Park) in downtown Columbus near Nationwide Arena.
* The worst kept secret in all of baseball is the Avon expansion franchise for next year in the independent Frontier League.
Gladiators
Yep, the Gladiators have made it to the National Conference Championship Game. It's tomorrow (Saturday) at 1PM in Philadelphia. TV on ESPN and radio on WKNR 850AM.
Now for the list of live sporting events in the area this weekend.
Indians vs. Rays - Progressive Field
Tonight and Tomorrow - 7:05 PM - fireworks after both games
Sunday - 1:05 PM
City vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore - Krenzler Field (CSU)
Tomorrw - 7:00 PM
Captains vs. Asheville Tourists
Tonight and Tomorrow - 7:05 PM - fireworks after both games
Sunday - 1:05 PM
Finally, some concluding thoughts
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to HVM Racing IndyCar driver EJ Viso, who is missing this week's Nashville 200 with a case of the mumps.
Only 92 days until the Monsters opener!
On that note, have a good weekend and stay safe. I'm headed back into the Woodchuck Hole.
The Ventings of the Marmot
Where to begin, oh where to begin. How ab..hold on, the stewardess is on the intercom
(Earthlings: may I have your attention, please return your tray tables to an upright position as we begin our final descent into Hell. Thank you for flying Handbasket Airlines)
Yep, it's as I've figured. The world has officially gone to Hell in a handbasket. While what follows may seem like the rantings of an old curmudgeon, rest assured they are not. They are, in fact, the rantings of a young curmudgeon. (Man, I am going to be brutal to be around in 60 years when I'm old)
First of all, Congress has a 9% approval rating. I realize that Bush (for whatever reason) is not very popular, but he's a rock star compared to Congress. To me, the fact that Congress hasb't been thrown out on it's head shows what is good and what isn't about America. The fact that a 9% approval rating hasn't brought about armed insurrection (it has happened to more popular governments elsewhere) is indicative of the American people's strong dedication to the peaceful transfer of power, a key pillar in America's exceptionalism. However, the fact that there are not recall elections underway from coast-to-coast indicates how removed from the political process most Americans are (seriously, when more people vote in a karaoke contest than the Presidential election, something is wrong). What's wrong, by the way, is politicians so unresponsive to those with the power to hire and fire them that a 9% approval rating even becomes possible.
Also, when did people become so easily offended. I understand that there are some words, actions, and ideologies that are truly ofensive and should not be tolerated. I also am aware that a "black hole" is an astronomical occurrence and a metaphor for a rapidly declining situation and not a racial slur. I am also pretty sure that most people who dislike sushi do so because they prefer their seafood cooked and not out of some racist feelings toward Japan or its culture. As the above linked articles point out, however, not everyone seems to share my sentiments in this regard.
Finally, a little advice from the Woodchuck Hole:
1 - pay attention to who you're voting for, it matters
2 - save your outrage for legitimate outrages, there's enough of them that it's not worth raising your blood pressure any higher trying to find some
Until later today, when I post what I hope will be a cheerier entry, see ya!
(Earthlings: may I have your attention, please return your tray tables to an upright position as we begin our final descent into Hell. Thank you for flying Handbasket Airlines)
Yep, it's as I've figured. The world has officially gone to Hell in a handbasket. While what follows may seem like the rantings of an old curmudgeon, rest assured they are not. They are, in fact, the rantings of a young curmudgeon. (Man, I am going to be brutal to be around in 60 years when I'm old)
First of all, Congress has a 9% approval rating. I realize that Bush (for whatever reason) is not very popular, but he's a rock star compared to Congress. To me, the fact that Congress hasb't been thrown out on it's head shows what is good and what isn't about America. The fact that a 9% approval rating hasn't brought about armed insurrection (it has happened to more popular governments elsewhere) is indicative of the American people's strong dedication to the peaceful transfer of power, a key pillar in America's exceptionalism. However, the fact that there are not recall elections underway from coast-to-coast indicates how removed from the political process most Americans are (seriously, when more people vote in a karaoke contest than the Presidential election, something is wrong). What's wrong, by the way, is politicians so unresponsive to those with the power to hire and fire them that a 9% approval rating even becomes possible.
Also, when did people become so easily offended. I understand that there are some words, actions, and ideologies that are truly ofensive and should not be tolerated. I also am aware that a "black hole" is an astronomical occurrence and a metaphor for a rapidly declining situation and not a racial slur. I am also pretty sure that most people who dislike sushi do so because they prefer their seafood cooked and not out of some racist feelings toward Japan or its culture. As the above linked articles point out, however, not everyone seems to share my sentiments in this regard.
Finally, a little advice from the Woodchuck Hole:
1 - pay attention to who you're voting for, it matters
2 - save your outrage for legitimate outrages, there's enough of them that it's not worth raising your blood pressure any higher trying to find some
Until later today, when I post what I hope will be a cheerier entry, see ya!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)